GNO* at Martini's Bar, Mandarin Oriental

The newest place to bond, Martini's Bar of Mandarin Oriental. Only the coolest, hippest, trendiest people can go, have been and will go to a bar like this. Oh, and also the rich. If you have been, you now have the license to chill.

That's the line that Martini's Bar often uses. It's sexy. Much like the James Bond movies. The ambiance, for my age group (I am not shy to admit I am 34) is so far the best place for me to hang out at. Embassy is way too noisy, young, chaotic and dangerous for me. Cuisine was good at first but the overspill of people who cannot get in Embassy are happy enough to be next door. The Bar in Peninsula caters to the older batch of men, mostly foreigners who are in town for business. Conways is cool because it is bigger and the service is superb but for me, Martini's is the place to be.

There's something about Martini's Bar that makes one feel more comfortable. Although price is a bit steep, the cozy atmosphere makes it worth each gulp of your P320++ martini. The manager, handsome and dashing, Javier Berenguer-Testa and his super cute and shy assistant, Paolo Quimson will make sure that you are well taken cared of while sipping your very chic glass of martini. Of course other beverages are available but it's the martini that they are getting to be very popular with for obvious reasons. Also, it is a smoking bar so if you are allergic or don't smoke, there's always Captain's Bar for you and your friends. If you go on a Friday and/or Saturday, make sure you wear cologne/perfume/deodorant. It gets awfully tight with so many customers waiting for an empty table. It's THAT popular and they don't take reservations, even for a wannabee VIP like me.



The waitresses, clad in their bright colored wigs and Rene Salud designed uniforms, need to step it up a bit though. They are nice and courteous but you have to wave a neon sign when you want them to go and serve you one or all of their 40 flavored martini drinks. Yes folks, according to Javi, they can make even more than 40 and if you want to pretend to know your bartending skills and have a special request, they can make it especially for you. So basically, if I should want a lychee-strawberry-kiwi-pineapple-banana-vanilla-martini, I will either get it or get my ass kicked out the bar for being a difficult customer. But don't fret, with the upper class clientelle of Martini's, you will most likely land on a Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes, BMW and the like that's parked out front, next to my red Honda CRV. Now, that's class.



EVENT: April 24, 2007, 6 to 8 pm, Ladies Night. A show by Jul B. Dizon Jewellery (ahem ahem) and the most talented young designer Puey Quinones (my soul sistah) opened the evening with a fashion show. 5 models wearing haute couture and sparkling jewels worked the floor, making sure every guest had the chance to see the details of what they were wearing.

After the show, GM, Mr. Helmut Gaisberger gave a speech and with the help of Director of Communications, Ms. Charisse Chuidian, called out names of lucky winners of fabulous prizes such as a P30,000 gift certificate from JBDJS, P15,000 cocktail dress from PQ, P5,000 gift certificate from Naturalizer, 2 gift certificates for an overnight stay on a weekend at a Club deluxe room (an exclusive haven with residential feel where guests help themselves to complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, cocktails at the Club lounge), salon services by Menage Salon, product from Shu Eumura and a year subscription of Lifestyle Asia. Lucky girls!!!





Cocktails were passed around and overflowing of martinis kept on coming only up until 8 pm of course. That's when the ever-so-kind resident manager of Mandarin Oriental, Mr. Knuth Kiefer decided to open the doors for the men who were all lined up, eager to get in and enjoy the relaxing and chilling atmosphere Martini's Bar offers. So guys who know nothing but beer can also enjoy their favorite kind for a mere P170++. Improved potato chips and peanuts included.

Here's me with Javier Testa and Knuth Kiefer.



If you plan to buy something expensive this week, don't, because I say you gotta do the following in strict order:

1. Gather the gang or bring your honey
2. Be cool and hip
3. Pretend to be rich (that's what I do)
4. Head on down to Martini's Bar
5. Order from the guys in suits
6. Acquire the license to chill


Martini's Bar
Mandarin Oriental
Paseo de Roxas corner Makati Avenue
(632) 7508888
javierbt@mohg.com


*GNO-Girls Night Out